"Everybody can I have your attention real quick? We don't know what's going on, but we will pray. We know that prayer is power, and that God is able. Let's pray. Father God, we thank you for this day, Lord. We pray right now that whatever is going on, you will fix it, God. We pray that you will heal it, God. We pray that you will redeem it, God. We pray that you will deliver it, God. Because we know that you are a God who knows how to make a way. And in the name of Jesus we declare and decree in the name of Jesus that whatever is going on shall be fixed, because you are a God who is a fixer. You are a God who is a healer. Jehovah God, Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-nissi, Jehovah-shiloh. Fix it, Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen."
-- Christian Crawford, graduating senior of Clay-Chalkville High School, in Pinson, Alabama
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Lord's Prayer at South Carolina Graduation, Atheists Fume
Prayer at Kentucky Graduation Despite Atheists' Demands
Texas School Cuts Mic on Christian Valedictorian Speech
Jesus, God Almighty Censored at Vermont Graduation
Indiana Graduate Praises God Despite Judge's Ruling
Federal Appeals Court Overrules Texas Judge: Christian Speech OK
Also read California School Lawyers Strip Student's Jesus Speech
In addition, read the long list of states enacting laws to bring religious liberty back to schools.
-- From "Federal judge: Student-led graduation prayers allowed, school prayers not" by Anna Lee, Greenville News 5/19/15
The [AHA] lawsuit claims the student’s parents are non-theists who felt “alienated and stigmatized” by the [Mountain View Elementary School in Taylors, SC] endorsement of Christianity during their daughter’s graduation held at the chapel of North Greenville University.
The suit alleges such “excessive entanglement with religion” is in violation of the First Amendment’s establishment clause and seeks a permanent injunction to enjoin prayer at any future school-sponsored event, including graduation ceremonies.
“Prohibiting such independent student speech would go beyond showing neutrality toward religion but instead demonstrate an impermissible hostility toward religion,” the school district said in court filings.
[Judge] Hendricks agreed to allow spontaneous prayer, calling it the “cultural residue” left over from the historical inclusion of religious speech at graduations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "High school student offers prayer during medical emergency at graduation" by Savannah Williamson, WAAY-TV31 (Huntsville/Decatur, AL) 5/24/15
According to our news partners at ABC 33/40, Christian Crawford stepped up to the podium and asked people to pray with him about whatever situation was happening in the stands.
It was later found out that a young woman was suffering a seizure.
The video, courtesy of the Trussville Tribune, has gone viral. Crawford has been asked to present the opening prayer at the Alabama legislature next Wednesday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Clay-Chalkville graduate delivers prayer during medical emergency" by Edward Burch, ABC 33/40 5/23/15
On Thursday night at Cougar stadium,while school administrators and medical personnel were helping a young woman in the crowd suffering a seizure, Christian Crawford got a nudge from faculty member Shannon Petty.
"She asked me, 'could I pray?"
"A lot of times you may feel nervous as a principal when a student steps to the mic impromptu like that," said [Principal Michael] Lee. "But when I saw it was Christian, I knew there was nothing to be concerned about. If I had 1,400 Christian Crawford's walking the hall, this would be a better place."
The video has been shared over 15,000 times on Facebook and is reaching national news outlets. Crawford credits his family for instilling strength in faith and character. He is the senior class president and wants a career in politics.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Clay’s Christian Crawford talks graduation prayer" by Erik Harris, Trussville Tribune 5/22/15
“It only takes one person,” said Crawford. “One person stands up and says ‘okay, I’m going to stand for the word of God, regardless of what people say.’ It’s important that we stand on the word of God.”
After cheers fell from the grandstands, the senior class president took his seat with the belief that the moment had passed.
“After I finished praying, that was it, I knew God was going to do his job,” said Crawford. “We had 1,000 plus people there, so I know he heard our prayer, and I got an update on the (victim) and she’s doing fine.”
“I cannot take any credit for what God is doing through me for His glory,” said Crawford.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
In addition, read U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of public prayer, and read the resulting resurgence in public prayer following the Supreme Court decision.
